This article examines an area of a larger research project, aimed at investigating
hospitalized children's experiences of pain. Descriptions of pain and views
regarding the purpose of four to 11-year-old children's pain were
investigated. A total of 44 hospitalized children participated in the study. The
data were collected by means of a qualitative interview with the children. Using
qualitative content analysis, interviews were coded and categories identified.
Participant descriptions aimed at generalizing the pain. The children specified the
nature of the pain and used paraphrases and metaphors. The study demonstrated that
most of the children were able to articulate the purpose that they ascribe to their
pain. The findings challenge nursing staff to regard the suffering child as an
active partner in assessing their pain. An enhanced understanding can better prepare
nurses for participating in the management of hospitalized children's pain.
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